Giving Tuesday
I'm Rae, and I had dreamed of becoming a Mercy Girl for as long as I can remember, but when my mom lost her job, I feared that dream might slip away. At freshman orientation, we still didn’t know if attending Mercy was possible. Then something extraordinary happened, Sr. Delores Hannon, Mercy’s President at the time, approached us and said, “We will do whatever it takes for Rae to be a Mercy Girl.” My mom and I broke down in tears, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.
In that moment, I felt truly seen, valued, and certain that Mercy was where I was meant to be. That single act of compassion set the tone for all that was to come. The faculty and staff at Mercy have been guiding lights. Mrs. Driml-Powers and Mrs. Powers supported me through personal struggles, offering wisdom and encouragement. Madam Rhoads sparked my love for French language and culture, and Mr. Riesberg transformed history from something I dreaded into one of my favorite subjects.
His enthusiasm even led me to compete at the state level on National History Day.
At Mercy, I discovered passions that have shaped the person I’ve become. I joined the golf team as a freshman with no experience, and now, as a senior, I am proud to be a member of the varsity team. I took a chance on cheer as a nervous sophomore and eventually became varsity captain, leading our student section with pride. None of this would have been possible without the coaches who believed in me. Through Mercy, I’ve also traveled to Spain, Portugal, and France—sharing Mercy values abroad and discovering a lifelong love of travel. These experiences taught me that education is more than classrooms and books—it’s an adventure.
My Catholic education has instilled in me integrity, service, and community. I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about lifting others up and staying true to your values. The friendships and mentors I’ve found here have made Mercy a home and helped me grow into my best self. None of this would have been possible without that first moment of kindness. Your support ensures future Mercy Girls can experience the same transformative journey. By donating, you help provide scholarships, strengthen tuition and work-study programs, enrich academics and activities, and empower young women. Your generosity shapes how the next Mercy Girl spends her four years—and for that, I’m deeply thankful.